Q&A with Frank Kobayashi of American River College | Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce

Oct 12th, 2022

Blog

A photo of a man with glasses with text that reads "Q&A with Frank Kobayashi"

The Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Board Members who provide valued perspective to our work. We chatted with Frank Kobayashi, the Vice President of Instruction at American River College, who shared some insight into his role and goals for the Sacramento community. Read his Q&A below.

Q: Tell me about your role at American River College and what drives you.

A: I serve as the Vice President of Instruction at American River College and I oversee all aspects of our Instructional Program. We serve more than 26,000 students at the college. In terms of operational duties, I provide leadership to the development of the schedule of classes, enrollment management, and allocation of the instructional budget. I have an amazing team that includes three Associate Vice Presidents and 12 Deans.

In 2021, with three other Los Rios District vice presidents, I led the Los Rios Reopening Planning Team, which was charged with outlining a detailed and specific framework and plan for reopening to the chancellor and college presidents. I have also led the college’s Guided Pathway efforts, which have resulted in the nationally recognized HomeBase model. The college’s Dual Enrollment program has developed from a concept to the largest dual enrollment program in the Los Rios District.

I’m a proud product of the California Community College system, and graduated from Santa Rosa Junior College with an A.A. in Business and A.S. in Child Development. My experience as a community college student changed my life’s trajectory, and anchors my belief that American River College can transform the future of all students through inclusive, equitable education.

Q: What kind of impact do you hope to make in California’s diverse communities? Why is this work so important to you?

A: American River College strives to uphold the dignity and humanity of every student and employee. We are committed to equity and social justice through equity-minded education, transformative leadership, and community engagement. We believe this commitment is essential to achieving our mission and enhancing our community. While the University of California admits the top 12.5% and the California State Universities admit the top 33.3%, as a California Community College, American River College accepts the top 100%. Our students are reflective of the rich diversity which makes the Sacramento region great.

Q: What is some key advice that has helped you throughout your career?

A: My mom immigrated to the U.S. from Japan and spoke no English when she arrived here. She used to tell me that, “naseba naru, naseneba naranu nanigoto mo” which translates to “if you try you will succeed, and if you don’t try you won’t succeed, no matter what it is.”

Learn more about our Board here.